PET FRIENDLY APARTMENTS JACKSONVILLE, FL
At Willow Trail, our residents can find the perfect place to call home. Our 2 bedroom floor plans are sure to suit the needs of every resident and our community is filled with gorgeous amenities that residents can explore. Aside from our stunning homes, our ideal location in Jacksonville allows residents to discover all that the surrounding area holds, including the stunning outdoor spaces. See some of our favorite outdoor spaces here and find the best place to spend your days at our pet friendly apartments in Jacksonville, FL!
Best Outdoor Spaces in Jacksonville, FL
#1 Castaway Island Preserve
Castaway Island Preserve is a hidden oasis for anyone who loves the outdoors. Spanning over 300 acres, it offers a beautiful mix of tidal marshes, maritime hammocks, and waterfront access. The highlight for many is the Island Trail, a one-mile loop that takes you over raised boardwalks and through shaded hardwoods before opening to panoramic marsh views. It’s a favorite spot for birdwatchers, with herons, egrets, and ospreys commonly spotted along the way. Adventure-seekers can launch a kayak or paddleboard from the floating dock and paddle into the Intracoastal Waterway, while families often enjoy picnicking under shady oaks or firing up the on-site grills. Whether you’re looking to connect with nature, enjoy a quiet moment on the water, or spend an afternoon with loved ones, Castaway Island Preserve is a natural extension of the Willow Trail lifestyle.
#2 Big Talbot Island State Park
Big Talbot Island State Park is one of Jacksonville’s most extraordinary coastal destinations, offering a beach experience unlike any other in Florida. Its most famous attraction, Boneyard Beach, is a three-mile stretch of shoreline scattered with massive fallen oak and cedar trees that have been bleached by the sun and waves. The result is a breathtaking driftwood landscape that looks almost sculptural, making it a dream location for photographers and a must-see for visitors who love dramatic scenery.
But Big Talbot is more than just a photo opportunity. The park is home to hiking and biking trails that wind through maritime forests, salt marshes, and coastal scrub, offering a chance to see Florida’s ecosystems up close. Kayakers and boaters often launch into the tidal creeks that surround the island, exploring quiet waterways filled with fish, crabs, and wading birds. Picnic areas set along bluff overlooks provide stunning views of Nassau Sound, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon with friends or family. Whether you’re wandering the beach, exploring the trails, or simply soaking up the views, Big Talbot Island State Park captures the wild, untouched beauty of Florida’s coastline.
#3 Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens
Tucked into Jacksonville’s Arlington neighborhood, the Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is one of the city’s true hidden treasures. It offers more than three miles of trails that take you through a surprising variety of landscapes, including towering pine uplands, shady hardwood forests, and sparkling lakes. Along the way, visitors can stop at the serene lily pond, explore educational signs that explain the ecosystems, and take in seasonal bursts of color from flowering plants. Wildlife enthusiasts will find no shortage of activity, as the Arboretum is home to everything from turtles and butterflies to dozens of bird species. The space is also designed to be community-friendly, with pet-friendly trails, benches for reading or sketching, and open areas for yoga or meditation. For those who want a quick nature break, it’s close enough for a short visit after work, yet tranquil enough to feel like a full escape from city life. The Arboretum is proof that you don’t have to leave Jacksonville to experience the restorative power of nature.
These are just a few of the outdoor spaces that you can explore when you live at our pet friendly apartments in Jacksonville, FL. Come home to Willow Trail and contact us today for more information!